On-Site Atmospheric Testing, Monitoring, and Sampling Services

On-Site Atmospheric Testing, Monitoring, and Sampling Services is a critical safety procedure used to evaluate air quality in workplaces — most commonly Hazardous Atmospheres such as Tanks, IDLH Environments, H2S Sites and Confined Spaces — before and during employee entry.

Accurate Safety Compliance provides professional atmospheric testing, monitoring, and sampling services performed by trained Safety Technicians using calibrated detection equipment and approved testing methodologies.

This service helps organizations identify atmospheric hazards, verify safe entry conditions, and maintain compliance with OSHA confined space and industrial safety requirements.

What Is Atmospheric Testing, Monitoring, and Sampling

Testing, Monitoring, and Sampling are not the same thing — real-time evaluation of air quality at a jobsite to determine if conditions are safe for workers, most often for confined space entry and active work. It focuses on oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases and directly supports immediate go/no-go safety decisions.

What Is Atmospheric Testing — A point-in-time measurement of air conditions to determine whether a space is safe at that moment.

What Is Atmospheric Monitoring — Continuous or periodic measurement of air conditions over time to ensure conditions remain safe during work.

What Is Atmospheric Sampling — The collection of air or media for evaluation to identify or characterize potential atmospheric hazards.

• Testing supports entry decisions.
• Monitoring protects workers during work.
• Sampling supports hazard identification and documentation.

Testing

Atmospheric Testing is the process of evaluating air conditions to determine whether a space is safe for entry. Testing must be conducted before entry and continuously during work when hazardous conditions may exist or when ventilation is used as a control method.

Testing is conducted using a two-phase approach:

• Evaluation Testing – to identify potential hazards
• Verification Testing – to confirm safe entry conditions

Results from atmospheric testing are documented and used to support confined space permits, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and site safety plans.

Evaluation Testing

Evaluation testing is the initial atmospheric assessment of a space to identify and evaluate potential hazards.

• Performed by a technically qualified professional
• Identifies oxygen deficiency or enrichment, flammable atmospheres, and toxic gases
• Determines necessary controls such as ventilation, PPE, or respiratory protection
• Results inform the confined space entry permit and safety procedures

This testing is typically conducted before work planning or when conditions within the space are unknown.

Verification Testing

Verification testing is performed immediately prior to entry to confirm that atmospheric conditions are safe.

• Conducted within 15 minutes of entry
• Confirms hazards identified during evaluation testing are below acceptable limits
• Required before authorizing worker entry
• Results are recorded on the confined space permit

Verification testing ensures conditions remain acceptable at the time of entry and have not changed since evaluation testing.

Testing Order and Methodology

Atmospheric Testing must follow a specific sequence and sampling method to ensure accurate results.

Testing Order

Atmospheres are tested in the following order:

1. Oxygen
2. Combustible gases and vapors
3. Toxic gases

This order is critical, as oxygen levels affect the accuracy of combustible and toxic gas readings.

Sampling Levels

Air is sampled at multiple elevations:

• Top
• Middle
• Bottom

This accounts for gas stratification, as some gases are lighter or heavier than air.

Sampling Method

• Pumped gas detectors with sampling hoses are used
• Allows testing from a distance without opening or entering the space
• Prevents false readings caused by fresh air at the entry point

Continuous Monitoring

• Continuous monitoring is a best practice
• Required when ventilation is used to control hazardous atmospheres
• Ensures conditions remain safe throughout the duration of work

Calibration & Equipment Checks

• All instruments are properly calibrated
• Bump tests are performed prior to use
• Equipment meets manufacturer and regulatory requirements

Key Atmospheric Parameters Monitored

Oxygen (O₂)

• Acceptable range: 19.5% – 23.5%
• Levels outside this range create immediate life safety hazards

Flammable Gases and Vapors

• Must remain below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
• Prevents fire and explosion risks

Toxic Gases

Common toxic gases monitored include:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

Levels are evaluated against applicable exposure limits and safety thresholds.

Detection Technologies Used

Accurate Safety Compliance deploys the appropriate detection technology based on site conditions and hazard profile, including:

• Portable multi-gas detectors
• Fixed gas detection systems
• Colorimetric detector tubes for headspace testing
• Lead acetate strips for fluid and process sampling
• Colorimetric test strips where screening-level analysis is appropriate

This layered approach ensures reliable results across both atmospheric and process-related hazards.

When This Service Is Used

• Confined space entry support
• Pre-entry and permit verification testing
• Hot work and maintenance activities
• Oil & gas operations
• Wastewater and utility environments
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities
• Emergency or abnormal condition response

Documentation & Records

Upon completion, clients receive clear documentation that may include:

• Test date and time
• Location and sampling levels
• Detected gas concentrations
• Equipment used
• Technician identification
• Permit or safety documentation support

Records are suitable for compliance files, audits, and safety program documentation.

Choose Accurate Safety Compliance To Ensure Safe Entry Through Professional Air Quality Assessment

✔ Trained, experienced technicians

✔ Calibrated and compliant equipment

✔ OSHA-aligned testing methodology

✔ Clear, defensible documentation

✔ Integration with confined space and safety programs